In a significant move, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the opposition-led national assembly, setting the stage for early legislative elections on November 17. The decision, announced in an evening address, comes after the assembly refused to engage in discussions on the budget law and rejected efforts to dissolve wasteful state institutions.
Faye, who took office in April, stated that working with the assembly had become increasingly difficult, prompting him to seek a fresh mandate from the people. “I dissolve the national assembly to ask the sovereign people for the institutional means to bring about the systemic transformation that I have promised to deliver,” he said.
The move marks a significant development in Senegal’s political landscape, as Faye’s government seeks to implement reforms aimed at tackling corruption and promoting economic growth. The dissolution of the assembly comes exactly two years after its inception, meeting the minimum requirement for new legislative elections.
The decision follows promises by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to dissolve the assembly and launch a comprehensive probe into government corruption. Sonko has also vowed to rebalance oil and gas contracts in the national interest, with a commission established last month to review all existing contracts.
Senegal’s emergence as a new oil producer in June, with the Sangomar oil and gas field producing its first oil, has added significance to the government’s efforts to ensure that natural resources benefit the nation. Gas production is also expected to commence by the end of the year at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefied natural gas project.
As the country prepares for early elections, the outcome will be closely watched, with implications for Senegal’s political and economic trajectory.
